NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 09: Mario Lopez attends The HBO Sports Documentary "The Golden Boy" premiere at the Tribeca Festival 2023 on June 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for HBO)
There’s more sides to A.C. Slater than you know, roommates! All jokes aside, the accomplished actor, radio and television host was recently trending online after he uploaded a TikTok video eating traditional Mexican dishes with a friend. In the video, Mario explains what he’s eating and shares his love for Mexican food in general.
@mariolopez You know me & the homie had to give you the lowdown on @Mariscos_el_bigoton & taste test the goods… #MariosMenu #TacoTuesday ♬ Passionate Spanish Flamenco, Spanish(1324022) – tmk93
Fans couldn’t help but notice the change in Mario’s accent and diction in comparison to his television persona on ‘Access Hollywood.’ The video quickly began trending online as the response became about an all too familiar topic, code-switching. In response, some users said:
Mario kept it all the way real and just said what it was, he’s trying to cash his checks, PERIOD. Though he attributes the change to being more “polished” and “buttoned up,” he also celebrates his Mexican heritage in the same breath.
Code-switching by definition is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation. But, if you know, you know that code-switching is also a matter of survival for many under-represented groups of people. Though Mario laughs off the online response, it does touch on the sobering realities and reach of the topic in general.
